Our endowment fund helps ensure the future of Second Unitarian Church by enhancing our mission and promoting Unitarian Universalist values in the community. The endowment fund expenditures may only be used for purposes meeting the criteria set forth in the Bylaws and approved by the Board of Trustees and the Congregation. Endowment Fund may be used for capital expenditures, building and grounds, and for mitigation of any operating budget deficits. Although the Endowment Fund Committee administers the Endowment Fund, the Financial Coordinating Council decides if it’s necessary to include endowment funds in the annual budget. Use of endowment funds as proposed by the Financial Coordinating Council must then be approved by the Board of Trustees, and ultimately by a majority vote of the Congregation at the annual meeting. See the Bylaws for further information.

Here are some frequently asked questions about our endowment:

General

Is the Endowment Fund only for the wealthy members of the congregation?

Certainly not! You need not be wealthy to leave a meaningful legacy at Second Unitarian Church. We accept and appreciate all contributions. Whatever you choose to give will be combined with the donations of others to do more than any of us can do alone. By contributing to the Endowment Fund, you support Second Unitarian as a continuing beacon of liberal religion in West Omaha.

How will my bequest to the Endowment Fund be recognized?

If you wish to have public recognition of your commitment in your final plans, we have decals you can place on your church name tag and you can choose to be recognized in the church directory. Or you can choose to remain anonymous if you prefer.

How To Make An Endowment Fund Contribution

How are financial commitments to the Endowment Fund made?

Gifts can be made to the Endowment Fund at any time, including while an individual is alive.  However, most financial commitments are made at death as a bequest that is a proportion of the value of an individual’s estate or as a specified dollar amount.

What should it say in my will or estate plans to make a financial commitment to the Endowment Fund?

Include wording in your estate planning documents that states, “I give $X,XXX.00 dollars or Y% of my estate to the Second Unitarian Church of Omaha Endowment Fund.” These words will help your estate administrator (executor or trustee) know and implement your final wishes.

Do I have to specify that my donation should go to the Endowment Fund?

Yes. You should specify that your donation is intended to go to the Second Unitarian Church of Omaha Endowment Fund. If you do not specify that your donation be allotted to the Endowment Fund, your gift will be treated as a general gift to Second Unitarian, added to the general church budget, and used as the Board of Trustees determines.

Is there an expected or suggested financial commitment amount?

No. The amount you give to the Endowment Fund is totally at your discretion.

What about my kids and other beneficiaries? Can I leave them something, too?

Of course! It’s your money. You can structure your planned giving however you like! Some congregants like to leave everything to their children, with other organizations receiving funds only if the children are above a certain age or are no longer alive. Other congregants like to leave a portion of their estate (a percentage or set dollar amount) to the Endowment Fund or as a general gift to Second Unitarian. How you structure your bequest is determined by your personal preferences!

Who do you recommend (attorney, financial planner, estate planner) to help me? 

We do not give financial advice or endorse firms or individuals that provide financial services. If you do not have a professional advisor, ask your friends, fellow congregants, or research online to find one that fits your needs.

How do I give a donation to the Endowment Fund while I am living?

One method is by utilizing Second Unitarian Church’s online donation page, where you may donate specifically to the “Endowment Fund,” which is located under GIFTS.

Or you may mail a check to the church made out to “Second Unitarian Church of Omaha Endowment Fund” with “Endowment Fund” written in the memo line. Mail to:

Second Unitarian Church
3012 S. 119th St.
Omaha, NE 68144

Authorized Endowment Fund Expenditures

How does an Endowment Fund donation relate to my regular pledge?

The Endowment Fund is separate from your regular annual pledge.  A congregant’s regular pledge is used to fund the annual operating budget. The Endowment Fund distributions may only be used for limited purposes which are further discussed below.

How is my Endowment Fund donation used?

Your Endowment Fund donation remains in the endowment fund in perpetuity. Only the earnings (interest, dividends and appreciation) on donations to the Endowment Fund are withdrawn for use by the church. This means that any amount you give will generate earnings to the Endowment Fund in perpetuity. Your donation will be a lasting legacy to the Church.

What can Endowment Funds be used for?

Endowment Fund earnings are used to support church operations as set forth in the Bylaws. This includes any capital improvements, equipment or operational needs. Endowment Fund distributions made from the earnings on the fund are a valid mechanism to help balance the budget when conventional sources of income are not enough to cover operations of the church. Efforts are made to limit the Endowment Fund withdrawals so that the fund balance continues to grow from year to year.

I am a member of Second Unitarian Church of Omaha. How do I voice my opinion about how the Endowment Fund distributions are used?

You can let the Endowment Fund Committee hear your voice through the annual budgeting process, which includes participation at the annual town hall meeting and annual congregational meeting. It is through that process that the needs and aspirations of the Church are heard and considered in light of the financial resources that are available, including those that come from the Endowment Fund.

Dissolution of the Endowment Fund at Second Unitarian

What happens to the Endowment Fund if the Second Unitarian Church is dissolved?

Our bylaws state that if our congregation were to dissolve, any assets, including the Endowment Fund, shall be distributed to MidAmerica Region of the Unitarian Universalist Association, or another Unitarian Universalist entity as determined by the Board of Trustees.

Conclusion

The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) has further ways to help you think about planned giving under the UU umbrella. Click here to learn more.

We are a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization. For information on any tax advantages associated with donating to us, please consult with your tax advisor. For assistance in estate planning, meet with a financial planner, attorney or estate planner of your choice. They can assist you in setting up your gifts so you can continue to help the world.